News Article

A walk with heart

This year the American Heart Association's (AHA) 2010 Boston Start! Heart Walk is one of the two official charities of the MGH. On Sept. 11, MGHers are invited to join the more than 10,000 walkers at the Heart Walk. With David Torchiana, MD, chairman and CEO of the MGPO, serving as event co-chair, the MGH aims to raise $125,000 to support the AHA's clinical, educational and research programs in the Greater Boston area, including programs at the MGH.

"There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Heart Walk this year," says Kathleen Gallen, RN, BSN, MGH Heart Center outpatient access nurse. "We are hoping to recruit 500 people to be part of the MGH team to make a big impression at this great event."

To reach this year's fundraising goal, there are incentives for those who raise money for the team. Any MGH team member who registers online and raises more than $500 by Aug. 20 will be entered to win a pair of tickets to a New England Patriots home game this season. Other prizes include T-shirts and gift certificates to area businesses. On the day of the walk, the MGH team will meet at 8 am in the East Garden Room for a healthy kick-off breakfast and then walk together to the Esplanade for a team photo. The walk starts at 10 am with the option to traverse a one-, two- or six-mile course.

"The walk itself is so much fun," says Gallen. "It builds camaraderie and teamwork among the employees, and it's a chance to get together and spend time with our families as well."

A Heart Walk registration table will be available in the White Lobby Aug. 13 from 11 am to 2 pm. Participants also can register at www.bostonheartwalk.org by clicking "Find a Company" and selecting "MGH" to start a team, join a team or make a donation. For more information about the walk or registering, contact Christy Burton at cgburton@partners.org.